By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
ITU Regional Director for
Africa Dr Emmanuel Chifuel Manasseh has highlighted the importance of
coordinated African priorities as the continent prepares for the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26).
Manasseh said Africa’s
Fourth and Final African Preparatory Meeting for PP-26, officially opened in
Abidjan by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Technological
Innovation, Dibril Ouattara, provided an important platform for Member States
to consolidate their priorities and strengthen the continent’s contribution to
the global digital agenda.
During the meeting, African
Member States refined regional priorities, advanced the development of African
Common Proposals and strengthened coordination ahead of the global conference.
Manasseh said the next phase
of the preparatory process would involve continued consultations, constructive
engagement with other regional groups and participation in the fourth
inter-regional preparatory meeting scheduled for Saudi Arabia on October 13–14,
2026.
The process is expected to
support balanced and implementable outcomes in areas including universal and
meaningful connectivity, sustainable digital transformation, skills development
and inclusive digital services.
He expressed appreciation to
the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire, the African Telecommunications
Union (ATU), Member States, delegates and partners for their contributions to
the African preparatory process.
